Correspondence (incoming): W, 1890-1891

Minneapolis Minn Nov 14 - 91

Mrs Stanford

Dear Madam

I have just finished reading in the "Scientific American" an account of the Leland Stanford Jr University at Palo Alto, and I cannot refrain from writing you, so I beg you, pardon the almost {unwarrantable?} liberty - How stupendous and sublime that matchless and enduring mausoleum to the memory of such a son - everything hitherto attempted pales before the munificent gift to humanity, more lasting than the mighty works of the city of the "Seven Hills", where the light of your lives was

extinguished, it shall survive, for it has for its foundation the brotherhood of the human race, that which takes hold upon Eternity itself. How sublime the inspiration that gave birth to the grandest enterprize of the age, with the generous disposition of such wealth, to such an end, surely some hearts break in unison with that of the Great Father.

I read of your affliction at the time of its occurrence, and I thought of you so long and earnestly for we too had just given to the loving arms of Mother Earth, that which {shook earth?} beautiful for us, an only daughter and child, after exhaling a fragrance like some rare and lovely flower, for twenty three short years, died, and left the world vacant, which did I say? no, like the fragile Gertrude in "Bulwers Pilgrims of the

Rhine" she drooped and glided into heaven". Happy we, if as we must { ?} our allotted time, find work to do, and what more blessed employment than farthering the wishes, and desires of those dearly beloved, from whom we are temporarily separated.

Since they have ascended to their coronation, we must press forward { ?} the mark of the prize of their high calling, that we may enjoy the matchless bliss of the better land together. My dear sister, I call you such in the bonds of a common sorrow, will you kindly send me a "catalogue" of the new institution, of which I am anxious to learn all. I hope sometime to visit your beautiful state by the sea, and more especially see the thou "unique arcades, and Moorish columns", that constitute a past of

of the magnificent exterior, and view the numberless appliances for the study of the mechanical, and other arts. But we are creatures of imagination, and until such time as seemeth best, I can indulge in dreams. Mrs Stanford although a stranger, should you ever visit our beautiful city of the Northwest, will you please send me your card that I may have the pleasure of meeting and greeting you.

Again I beg pardon, but I could not resist the temptation of addressing you. Please address

Mrs Andrew Weir #1925 Park Ave Minneapolis Minnesota

ROSE BANK SAUSALITO Oct 31st/91

My Dear Mrs Stanford:

I hold that it is never too late to express an appreciation or kindly feeling, so I offer no excuse for my tardiness in congratulating you and Mr Stanford { ?] { ?} culmination of your great work in the opening of the Leland Stanford Junior University, this beneficent monument to keep perpetually green the memory of your